/0/55266/coverbig.jpg?v=dfdbc4e47ae369ec6ebeede79499aecc)
Eveline Amber finds herself in dire straits after she accepts a fake marriage contract with Nolan Wellington. With just a bank check promised by her high school friend Nolan, Eve agrees, thinking that the money from this job will be enough to bail out her father who is in prison. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as that. Eve gets involved in a scandal with Danny-Nolan's philandering brother-and meets Lizette, who both want to seize the Wellington family's sacred will. As an aristocratic family of the '70s, the family's complicated conflicts leave Eve trapped in a choice that is not favorable at all. Especially when Nolan's father finds out that Eveline's mother is a former stripper with whom he had an affair. This problem is compounded by the fact that Nolan was tricked into paying off his father's debts through the will. Both Nolan and Eve's lives are in big trouble. Especially when Nolan starts to secretly fall in love with Eve.
"Eve, come here. Help me for a moment!"
Eve, who had just delivered two large plates of steak with two drinks in a tall glass, hurriedly arrived in front of the serving table. Bella, one of the waitresses at this five-star restaurant, was standing in front of the counter waiting for Eve to receive the order book. Actually, these days you can order digitally, but who knows where people still expect their orders to be made using paper like this.
"I still have to deliver one more order for table number 12." Eve pointed bitterly at a tray containing three plates of food.
"Oh, no problem. Let me take that for you. But you help me for taking orders in the executive room."
Eve's brow furrowed. "Why should I?" Is it because Eve is new here that Bella just randomly switches jobs? Actually, it is not difficult to receive orders, but executive customers should be served with the best service. Eve only took orders once or twice, the rest of the time she only delivered food to regular customers.
"Because you're the only one I can rely on now. Don't ask too many questions, come up quickly."
Bella forcibly handed over the order book to Eve. Eve resignedly accepted it while watching Bella skillfully carry two trays with each hand. The restaurant tonight is really busy. The tables were almost full and everyone was ordering the new menu which seemed to be a trend for the next week. This is Ann's Bali restaurant. One of the famous restaurants with a menu of Balinese and East Asian specialties stands neatly in the middle of Central Park.
"Don't keep complaining. Smile at the customer. Otherwise, you'll only make things worse!" Bella then went to the restaurant entering the rows of tables and chairs with luxurious tablecloths where the customers sat waiting for their food. Eve snatched a little. Actually, it's not because she doesn't want to serve someone in the executive room, but she's always nervous when dealing with important people there. Eve's biggest fear is that she makes a mistake and gets fired. Her boss is not aware of small things, so Eve has to be extra careful.
She took the order book and then went up to the mezzanine floor where the closed executive suite was in a row of closed hallways. Eve had time to check her appearance first and make sure that she could give her best smile. There are many executive rooms, but the customer is in the first room. Eve easily found two men in black suits standing firmly in front of the door as if they were guarding someone.
"Excuse me, I would like to take a customer's order." Eve peeked at the two men's sharp gazes. Eve didn't prepare anything before she was suddenly searched. Eve's shoulders were turned back, and the man's hands reached into her pockets and waist and under Eve's skirt. Eve almost screamed because the man's hand almost touched her sensitive area.
"She's safe," said one of the men. Eve was just about to protest, but she had to remember that as a waitress, a smile and patience are the keys to serving customers well. So she just sighed and hugged the menu book steadfastly.
"Five minutes, come out soon after."
"The boss can't be bothered for long."
The two men answered in unison, slightly pushing Eve into the executive room which was not too big but quite spacious. Eve cursed in her heart but immediately smiled when she saw a man sitting with one leg propped over the other. His cold eyes fell on the cell phone in his hand. The man looked away and looked at Eve with a cold expression.
Eve's heart suddenly sank. She felt all her blood stop and the world spin in slow motion.
"No-Nolan?"
The man pursed his lips. He put his cell phone in his pocket, not taking his eyes off Eve.
"Which waiter doesn't have the etiquette of referring to his esteemed customers by their first names?"
Eve froze. She immediately realized and immediately lowered her head.
"Mr. Wellington," Eve confirmed the call and handed him the menu in a confused manner. This is a bad meeting. This wasn't something Eve expected tonight. Why did she meet Nolan Wellington here? And since when is Nolan Wellington a loyal executive customer of this restaurant? Eve cursed herself as she stood waiting next to the man.
"Do I need to give you a few more lessons about being a good servant?" Nolan said while turning over the menu booklet. Eve didn't understand, so she kept quiet. As soon as Eve didn't show what Nolan wanted, the man glanced at her with the sharp tail of his eye.
"Did you hear me?"
Eve was confused. "Y-yes, sir."
"You don't know the maid etiquette that I mentioned before?"
Eve was confused. She didn't know there was any other etiquette for waiters other than waiting patiently, serving with a smile, and calling customers by their last names. What else does this annoying guy mean?
"Kneel."
The words came out smoothly, almost making Eve think she had heard wrong.
"What?" Eve wanted to be sure. But Nolan glanced at her more indifferently.
"I've never seen someone taller than me when talking. So, make yourself as humble as possible to talk to me."
Eve's mouth dropped open. If this wasn't Nolan Wellington, she probably would have punched this guy straight in the face. But he's Nolan Wellington! The man who once made her high school days so full of bullying and until now, her mind can't escape those shadows. Also, Eve is currently a waitress at a restaurant. She must obey any strange orders from executive customers.
So reluctantly, Eve knelt down next to Nolan and didn't stop swearing in her heart.
"Good. This way you understand who you are talking to."
Eve's mouth twitched. She hated hearing that. She was so hated that she unconsciously clenched her hands on her knees. Why has almost ten years passed but Eve still continues to receive treatment like this from the same person? Why can't Eve break through the changes in these ten years?
"I don't think I had dinner. Can you bring me some Rothschild wine, please?" Nolan closed the book and then put it on the edge of the table for Eve to take.
"You made me kneel and be touched by those muscular men just to get you a bottle of wine?" Eve was unknowingly influenced by the emotions she had been holding back. She looked up, looking at Nolan who was now turning his head and looking at her coldly.
"Do you mind?"
"At least order one of the most expensive dishes here! I don't care about your current background but listen-" Eve stood up, she pointed at Nolan angrily. It felt like something strange was attacking her logic until she dared to do this.
"I will no longer be bullied by you. This was ten years ago, Nolan. It's enough that you've taken everything I have. There are much better executive guests than immorality like you!"
Eve turned around and grabbed the menu without Nolan responding. But her steps immediately stopped when the man said, "Moral?"
"You're just a servant, what do you know about morals?" Eve turned her head slowly, looking at Nolan who wasn't looking at her at all but could feel the scornful tone penetrating her ears.
"Moreover, you are just a lowly woman, born from a bitch. Do you still have a face? After the disgusting things your mother did with my father?"
Aria Castellano never expected that filling in for her friend as a guest server at an exclusive private party would change her life. A dedicated art teacher at a children's school, she only meant to help. But that night, she meets a dangerously charming man who can't take his eyes off her-and in a moment of reckless desire, they end up sharing a one-night stand. The next morning, Aria panics. The man was carrying a gun. And his name tag read: Luca DeLorenzo. Terrified, Aria flees while Luca is still asleep. But Luca is no ordinary man. He's a mafia heir-and he immediately orders someone to follow her. After what happened that night, a storm coming like a shadow. The life of Aria turns upside down, and Luca was not the only person who make it suffer. But also the baby that become the payment for what they did. Do Aria really want to make her baby become the mafia's prey? Or there is something that Luca want to do but still keeping it secret even from Aria?
Amelia Miller, a simple woman who was supposed to marry Ethan Blackwell-the CEO of the renowned Blackwell fashion brand-was instead left at the altar with nothing but a letter of apology. Humiliated by the failed wedding, Amelia tried to call Ethan, but all access to him was cut off, and it was as if he had vanished in a single day. Their two-year relationship crumbled into a massive question mark. But what shocked her even more was when she found a picture of Ethan looking intimate with another woman.
Knowing she had been deceived and nearly assaulted, Serena Blooms almost believed she would never be saved. In the midst of her desperation, a miracle came like a tsunami: Edgar Graham, the heartthrob famous across America for his success in running the brand The Lux, arrived and accidentally became her savior. Serena, struggling to recover from the shock of the incident, begged Edgar to lend her his embrace for a moment to calm herself. Even though it was just an embrace, Edgar remained indifferent. And what Serena never knew was that from that moment on, Edgar demanded more than just a thank-you.
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.
Betrayed by her mate and sister on the eve of her wedding, Makenna was handed to the ruthless Lycan Princes as a lover, her indifferent father ignoring her plight. Determined to escape and seek revenge, she captured the interest of the three Lycan princes, who desired her exclusively amid many admirers. This complicated her plans, trapping her and making her a rival to the future Lycan queen. Entwined in jealousy and vindictiveness, could Makenna achieve her vengeance in the intricate dance with the three princes?
She thought he was the villain. He was only trying to save his soul. Rena lives in a world of sunshine, sweets, and simple dreams. Until one reckless decision drops her into a dark realm of secrets, curses and werewolves. Kidnapped, heartbroken. She doesn't know who to trust anymore especially not Logan, the arrogant, cruel Alpha who's keeping her as a hostage. Until she discovers his dark secret. He's been hearing her thoughts all along. Now the walls between them are crumbling. And when feelings grow where hatred once lived, a curse demands that blood becomes a love that demands sacrifice. But how can she give her heart to the one who might need it to die?
Rosalynn's marriage to Brian wasn't what she envisioned it to be. Her husband, Brian, barely came home. He avoided her like a plague. Worse still, he was always in the news for dating numerous celebrities. Rosalynn persevered until she couldn't take it anymore. She upped and left after filing for a divorce. Everything changed days later. Brian took interest in a designer that worked for his company anonymously. From her profile, he could tell that she was brilliant and dazzling. He pulled the stops to find out her true identity. Little did he know that he was going to receive the greatest shocker of his life. Brian bit his finger with regret when he recalled his past actions and the woman he foolishly let go.
Trigger warning!!! Intended for mature readers who enjoy morally complex, slow-burn, poseesive, forbidden, dark romance that pushes boundaries. ***EXCERPT*** Blood everywhere. Trembling hands. "No!" My eyes blurred. His lifeless eyes stared back at me, his blood pooling at my feet. The man I loved-dead. Killed by the one person I could never escape - my stepbrother. *** Kasmine's life was never hers to begin with. Kester, her stepbrother, controlled and monitored her every move. At first, it was all sweet and brotherly until it began to turn into an obsession. Kester was the Alpha, and his word was law. No close friends. No boyfriends. No freedom. The only consolation Kasmine had was her twenty-first birthday, which was supposed to change everything. She dreamt of finding her mate, escaping the sickening control of Kester, and finally claiming her own life. But fate had other plans for her. On the night of her birthday, not only was she disappointed that she wasn't mated to the love of her life, but she found out that her mate was none other than him - Her tormentor. Her stepbrother. She'd rather die than be mated to a man whom she had known as her big brother all her life. A man who would do just anything to make sure she was his. But when love turns to obsession, and obsession turns to blood, how far can one girl run before she realizes there is nowhere else to run to?